Witherspoon won’t seek fifth term

With one candidate confirmed, and several “maybes” in the wings, the search is on to see who will run for mayor of Fort Frances in the municipal election in November.
Following Mayor Glenn Witherspoon’s sudden announcement Monday morning that he won’t be seeking a fifth term (first reported in Monday’s Daily Bulletin), Dan Onichuk stepped forward Tuesday morning to enter the race to replace him.
Since then, several other possible candidates have been contacted regarding the mayoral position, including Tannis Drysdale, president of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.
“We [Mayor Witherspoon and I] have had a lot of serious discussions over the last year, particularly in the past few months, about the potential of my running for mayor,” Drysdale said Tuesday.
“I’ve had phone calls from people in Fort Frances and elsewhere in the region saying they’d like to see me run,” she added. “I am interested. I do have experience working with economic development and infrastructure elsewhere.
“We have a great community, a great foundation. But we still have to think about the youth and the future of the community,” she remarked. “With Mayor Witherspoon’s announcement, I’m going to seriously think about it [running] over the next few weeks.”
Regardless of her ultimate decision, Drysdale lauded Mayor Witherspoon on Monday in a press release after receiving official word of his pending “retirement.”
“Glenn Witherspoon, through his work with NOMA and numerous provincial panels, has been a tireless advocate for northern communities,” she said.
“Through his recent work as the chair of the of the ‘Smart Growth’ panel, he has developed an excellent framework of recommendations that move the region forward,” added Drysdale.
“We wish Mayor Witherspoon the best and thank him for his service to the north.”
Another person who might join the race is Coun. Deane Cunningham, who previously served as mayor from 1981-85.
“I’m considering it at this point,” he said yesterday. “I expect I’ll be making some definite decision in the next few weeks.”
While there have been some rumours that Coun. Sharon Tibbs might toss her hat in the ring, she said yesterday that’s not necessarily true. “I can’t confirm that at this time,” she noted.
“I’m certainly running for a place at that table [council]. But as for the other, I have a set of criteria before I get into anything new—and it’s summer,” she added, alluding to the fact she’s currently enjoying her break as a teacher at Huffman School and wanted to wait until fall before making any significant decisions.
As first reported in yesterday’s Daily Bulletin, Onichuk is enthusiastic about his future campaign. “I’ve been thinking about it for some time. I had a long, long discussion with my better half, Denise, and decided to go for it,” he said.
Born and raised in Fort Frances, Onichuk spent many years working for Canada Safeway, eventually moving into an executive position with the United Food and Commercial Workers—one of the largest union’s in Canada—for 10 years.
While he spent a brief period of time working in southern Ontario, Onichuk felt his heart lay in Fort Frances and moved back here two years ago.
He then worked as a consultant and also did some instructing at Confederation College. He currently works for Lovisa Construction.
He said his tenure as an executive with the UFCW has given him valuable experience as a mayoral candidate.
“I’m used to the heat, used to media,” he smiled. “I’ll get a cell phone and turn my palm pilot on and get back into it all.
“I like this town, but there’s a lot that we need to do. And I think it’s time for a change,” remarked Onichuk. “I’m looking forward to [running for mayor].
“I’ve already put together a campaign committee,” he added. “We’ll be laying the platform throughout the summer. September’s going to come real quick.”
“The reason why I’m coming forward now is I know of a few people who are interested in running for the position,” Mayor Witherspoon had said Monday in announcing his decision.
“And with the town set for the future, the timing is right to step down and let some younger people give it a try,” he added.
After spending much of his time attending meetings and travelling across the region, province, country, and in some cases, abroad, Mayor Witherspoon said he now wanted to concentrate on tending to his business interests as well as his growing family.
“After 18 years in municipal politics, including 12 years as mayor, which is the longest term as mayor in the town’s history, it’s time to step down,” he said.
Mayor Witherspoon first was elected to council in December, 1985. He served two terms as councillor, then ran successfully for mayor in 1991.
He won three more terms, including once by acclamation in 1994.
While there’s been talk in recent years that Mayor Witherspoon might run for a seat at either the federal or provincial level, he stressed he’s currently only interested in spending more time at work and with his family.
Mayor Witherspoon said he’s had few regrets during his time in office. “It’s been great. [The town] has accomplished lots during those years.
“We’ve had some really good councils over the years, and some . . . well, without pointing any fingers, they’ve been super,” added the mayor.
“The town’s in great shape as far as infrastructure goes. With new businesses being built, our tax base is growing,” he remarked.
Mayor Witherspoon noted that with so much accomplished during his tenure, it’s hard to pick any particular achievement during that time. But he did say the list had to include the new airport terminal, the “Ice for Kids Arena,” the secondary water treatment plant, Phase II of the La Verendrye Parkway, and the Townshend Theatre.
He added the success of these projects were prime examples of co-operation between councillors, and between the town and the provincial and federal governments.
The deadline to file a nomination for the position of mayor or councillor for this November’s municipal election is Friday, Sept. 26 at the Civic Centre.
(Fort Frances Times)